Adapted theory test for dyslexia and reading and writing difficulties

If you have dyslexia or other reading and writing difficulties, the reading itself can make the theory test unnecessarily hard, even when you know the traffic rules well. In that case you are entitled to an adapted class B theory test, so that the test measures your knowledge of traffic rather than how fast you read. In this article we go through what arrangements the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) offers, what documentation you need, and how to apply in good time before the test day.

Table of contents

• Who can get an adapted test
• What arrangements exist
• Documentation you need
• How to apply step by step
• Tips for preparing

Who can get an adapted test

An adapted theory test is intended for candidates who have a documented challenge that affects how they can take an ordinary written test. This includes dyslexia, other reading and writing difficulties, and certain language and concentration difficulties. The purpose is to give equal opportunities, not to make the curriculum easier: the required knowledge of traffic rules, signs and risk is exactly the same as for everyone else.

It is important to understand that accommodation is about how the test is taken, not what you need to know. You still have to answer enough questions correctly to pass. If you want to know more about the limits themselves, you can read about the number of questions and pass mark on the theory test .

What arrangements exist

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration can offer several forms of accommodation depending on your needs. The most common arrangements are described in the table below.

A read-aloud test is often the most relevant arrangement for dyslexia, because it removes the reading challenge itself while the content is unchanged. Which arrangements are offered may vary between traffic stations, and it is the Public Roads Administration that assesses what is appropriate in your case. If you also need language support, you can read about the theory test in other languages and the use of an interpreter .

Documentation you need

To get an adapted theory test for dyslexia, you generally have to document your need. This should show that you have a challenge that makes an ordinary test format difficult.

• A statement or documentation from a professional, for example a speech therapist, the educational-psychological service, a school or a doctor.
• The documentation should describe the difficulty and why accommodation is necessary.
• Older assessments can often be used, but get in touch to clarify what is accepted.

If you have had accommodation before, for example on a school exam, it is fine to bring earlier documentation. Remember that it is the need that must be documented, not a specific diagnosis code. The Public Roads Administration assesses the documentation and decides which arrangement fits.

How to apply step by step

Accommodation must be arranged before the test day. You cannot show up unannounced and expect a read-aloud or oral test on the spot. A common procedure is as follows:

1. Obtain documentation of your reading and writing difficulties in good time.
2. Contact the Public Roads Administration and explain what you need.
3. Get it clarified which accommodation you can have, and submit the documentation.
4. Book a test appointment once the accommodation is in place.
5. Show up at the traffic station with valid ID at the agreed time.

The price of the test is normally the same as for an ordinary test; see our overview of what the theory test costs . Once you have passed, the same rules apply for how long the theory test is valid as for everyone else.

Tips for preparing

Even with good accommodation, preparation is the key. When the reading challenge is removed, it is your understanding of traffic that counts. Practise a lot with questions similar to those you meet on the test, and use audio and images to learn the rules in more ways than just by reading. Review the areas you are least sure about, and test yourself regularly.

Remember too that physical and mental condition affects performance. Be well rested on the test day, and you may want to read about how medication and driving ability are connected if you take regular medication. For the full picture of the test, we recommend our main article on the theory test and a short introduction to theory for the driving licence .

You can take a free theory test to check your level, and keep practising in the Eteo app at your own pace so that you are confident and ready when you sit the theory test.